.....The distinction between traditional taxis and livery services is a legal fiction to protect traditional taxi companies from competition. All Portlanders lose out as a result."

According to John Case, Portland's limousine representative charged with voicing livery concerns to the City Council, the main competitors are two companies in business since the 1930s.
"These two companies, between them, have the political clout to fundraise for elections, so the commissioners are pretty much in their pocket," he said. "Of course, the commissioners will say it's not true, but it is true. Time and time again, any time a taxi issue comes before the city council, there's always a majority vote for any taxi issue that is favored by those two large companies."

Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz denies the accusations. "Even though my colleagues are funded by traditional (campaign donations), they are very principled men and I don't believe they would be voting on the basis of who gives them money."

...very principled men?

I think we could insert __________ instead of taxis and find other examples of council voting on the basis of who gives them campaign support/money.

Road Work

Miles run year to date: 80
At this date last year: 89
Total run in 2014: 401
In 2013: 257
In 2012: 129
In 2011: 113
In 2010: 125
In 2009: 67
In 2008: 28
In 2007: 113
In 2006: 100
In 2005: 149
In 2004: 204
In 2003: 269